November - Department of Defence

eventsReaching beyond the ordinaryBy Nakedi PhashaPhoto: F Sgt Amelda Strydom28South Africa is following the globaltrend where one in every four womenis in an abusive relationship, with onewoman being murdered by her partnerevery six days. "Domestic violenceis tolerated by society. Men deny itand women tolerate it," to quote MsIrene Khan, the first female Secretary-General of Amnesty International.August is the month during whichwomen celebrate their freedom andachievements; it is a month for breakingthe silence about the curse of violenceagainst women, and it is aboutbreaking taboos and embracing ourfemininity. On 31 August 2004 thePSAP ETD held its first women's celebrationsat the Navy Mess in Pretoria.The day was well planned with a lot ofentertainment and activities, such asmakeovers, belly dance demonstrationsand a table décor competition, tomention but a few of the items. All theactivities were centred on the theme ofthe day, which was "Becoming a betteryou". Even Mr Vernon Swarts, Headof PSAP ETD, the only man who hadthe privilege of being at the celebrations,had his own fair share of bellydance lessons. The first prize in thetable décor competition went to theSA National Defence War College,with their table representing Africa,Representing diversity, the winning group from the SA National Defence WarCollege.its diversity and the rainbow nation.In her speech Brig Gen AnsuyahFakir, Director Joint SupportManagement in the Joint SupportDivision, saluted women role models.The likes of Miriam Makeba, GracaMachel, Monique Strydom andAlison, the Noordhoek Ripper case,were inspirations to women to live bytheir example. She also encouragedwomen to grasp the opportunities thatare around them in the young democracy."Succeeding is more an attitude,a state of mind, a way of looking atlife. Oh yes, talent, hard work and disciplinedo play a role. Fear of failuremakes us take an easy route, to doLegacy of Chief Albert LuthuliBy Maj F. Ricketts, JTRG CECEMembers of Joint Training CivicEducation Centre of Excellence (JTRGCECE) and the PSAP ETD attendedlectures at the University of theWitwatersrand in Johannesburg from3 to 6 August 2004.The group was delegated to implementprogrammes on civic educationand governance. The main topic of theweek was the Legacy of Chief AlbertLuthuli.This Second Annual MatthewGoniwe Memorial Lecture consistedof seven sessions that focussed onrural development, education, globalisation,urban regeneration/gentrification,health, housing, transport andinfrastructure.Some of the governance topics thatwere discussed during these sessionsincluded: "The relationship between theInstitution of Traditional Leadershipand Rural District Councils"delivered by Dr MangosuthuButhelezi, the President of the IFP. "Rural development and dualismin governance" delivered by MrElias M. Mahoma, Director OCEOSouth African Local Governmentnothing. But then again, are we livingour lives or merely seeing out the minutes,hours and days?" she asked."The glass ceiling is there. Do notstand in front of it, break through, it isyour right and challenge. Stand upand seize the day! But remember, withrights come responsibilities," Brig GenFakir concluded.Yellow roses are a symbol offriendship. To show his appreciationand respect for women Mr Swarts presentedyellow roses to Brig Gen Fakirand Madie Haynes, the Master ofCeremonies for the day. Hopefullysome of the men in the SANDF tooknote…Association (SALGA)."Education, leadership and governancein South Africa in relation tothe globalisation phenomenon"delivered by Ms Zandile Kunene,Executive Director MatthewGoniwe School of Leadership andGovernance."Cities in globalisation" deliveredby Mr Sello Moloto, the Premier ofLimpopo."Social changes in East Germancities" delivered by Ms DagmarPohle, Regional Officer for Socialand Economic Activities in Berlin'sMarzahn-Hillersdorf District.S A S O L D I E R • N OV EMBER 2 0 0 4